Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Henmi]

Hello. I always appreciate this site and answers from you.

An interviewer asked an actor
"How do you get into acting to impress the audience?"
But another person said
" to touch the audience"

In this case"impress" is not a proper word?

I often use " I'm impressed with..........."
Should I say " I'm touched by.............." ?

[bud]

Hi Henmi,

The second person was not correcting the first's English, but rather his intended meaning. 'Impress' was correct, but perhaps poorly chosen.

Use 'impressed with/by' when your reaction is more of an intellectual one. Use 'touched by' when your reaction is more on an emotional level.

You might be impressed by a brilliant essay, but you would more likely be touched by a beautiful poem. (You might be impressed with the poet's craftmanship, but you would be touched by the thoughts communicated.)

Thanks for the nice words... The responders in here are volunteers who enjoy helping out.